Duke Energy: “When It Comes To Promoting Equality, Words Are Not Enough”

“Duke Energy is committed to powering millions of homes and businesses across North Carolina, as well as the vitality of our communities. This is a responsibility the company takes seriously,” says Indira Everett, District Manager at Duke Energy.

For more than 16,000 North Carolina employees, this means working every day to reduce carbon emissions, modernize the grid, and keep energy prices as affordable as possible. In the Carolinas, the company has reduced carbon emissions by 38% since 2005, making it a national leader in the electric sector. And they are working toward a goal of near-term carbon reduction of at least 50% by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050.

It also means answering the call within communities to support equal opportunities for all.

When it comes to advancing equality and justice, words are not enough. Duke Energy has a role to play both within the workplace and the larger community.

“The murder of George Floyd and the powerful response across the country are excruciating reminders of the progress still needed to make in our communities. In response, Duke Energy is strengthening its internal diversity and inclusion programs to foster greater awareness, respect, and inclusion,” Everett explains.

Additionally, Duke Energy is committed to an annual social justice and racial equity grant cycle for at least three years in North Carolina. This is in addition to the more than $1 million the company provided in support of racial equity across all of the states it serves in August.

Duke Energy recently announced the first round of recipients of $1 million in funding – 40 organizations across the state received $25,000 each to reduce disparate outcomes, support training, policy, and criminal justice reform, and civic engagement.

“I am excited that Knox Studios, NC Institute for Minority Economic Development, Villages of Wisdom, Mentor NC, and Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People were among the grant recipients and will be supported in their work to break down barriers, spur meaningful dialogue and provide resources and opportunity to the Black community,” says Everett.

Five Durham-based grant recipients will discuss the grant and how it will make a difference in the communities they serve when they appear as guests on Spectacular Magazine’s web-series, “#SpecMagShorts.”

The $1 million in grants and expanded internal programs build upon the company’s past efforts to support and encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion within the company and the communities we serve.

Everett goes on to say, “This is only a start. I, along with other Duke Energy employees, will continue to engage with Durham-based and statewide organizations and leaders to be a part of the long-term solution to the social justice issues our communities face. I am proud to work for a company that makes social justice and racial equity a priority and is taking action to end systemic racism.”

For more information, visit Duke Energy Foundation.